Information for Family Court Users
Useful links for people attending a family court in Cheshire and Merseyside with both local and national information and links.
Finding the court:
What to expect when coming to court:
His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has provided some general guidance on what you can expect when you come to court. The link for that information is here:
What can be done to keep me safe at court?
Keeping all court users safe is a key priority for the courts and the security staff. Everyone attending the court building will pass through security when entering the building. You are likely to pass through an airport style archway scanner and may be subject to an additional security wand/ handheld scanner check by staff. Bags will be searched and you may be asked to empty your pockets into a tray and to remove shoes, coats, gloves, hats or belts. Any prohibited items will be removed by security. you may be asked to leave certain items with security staff – you will be given a ticket or receipt to get these items back when you leave.
If you require additional measures for your safety and security at court, you or your legal representative should contact the court as soon as possible to request that additional measures are put in place. These may include the use of a separate waiting area or vulnerable witness suite (if available at your court centre), staggered arrival times for you and the other party, screens in the courtroom so that you cannot see or be seen by the other party or, in some cases, permission for you to attend the hearing remotely via a video link. It may be necessary for an application to be made to the court for certain additional measures (such as remote attendance or screens) and for the Judge hearing the case to determine whether those measures should be approved. The Judge may wish to speak to you and the other party before making a decision.
I have a disability, what can be done to assist me at court?
Under the Equality Act 2010 HMCTS has a legal duty to provide help and support where it can and make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to enable people with disabilities to have equal access to information and services.
Reasonable adjustments can be requested in person, by phone or in writing. You must contact the court to request reasonable adjustments, it will assist the court for you to provide as much information as you can about how your disability affects you and what support you need.
HMCTS has provided some information on its own website and the link to this is here:
Who can come to court with me?
If you need support at court you can be accompanied by a friend or family member. They can wait with you in the waiting area of the court building. There is limited space available at courts so it is not advisable to bring lots of people with you, it can also increase the tensions particularly in a family case.
Some people may have an advocate (not a legal representative but rather someone from an advocacy service) and they may be willing to attend court with you to provide support. There may be other people who provide you with support who would be willing to attend court with you – for example an IDVA, a social worker, PA/ leaving care worker.
It is important to note that there are no childcare facilities at courts and staff cannot look after your children whilst you are in a court hearing. Some courts may have designated children’s waiting rooms but these are not for providing childcare or leaving children unattended.
Who can come into court with me?
Family proceedings are generally held in private. This means that family members or friends who have come with you to provide support will not be permitted to come into the hearing unless they are themselves parties to the proceedings. There may be some circumstances where the Judge hearing the case will allow a friend or family member to come in with you as support but the Judge may need to hear what all parties say about that before making a decision. Similarly the Judge may allow your IDVA, advocate, social worker or other professional providing support to come into court with you.
If you are represented your barrister and/or solicitor will be in court with you.
Journalists and legal bloggers may be permitted to attend hearings and to report certain details of a hearing. You can find more information about this on the Transparency and the family court page.
If I am not represented can someone else assist me in court? / What is a McKenzie Friend?
Things to be aware of in a court hearing
Making an application to court
MIAMS
Forms
To make an application to the court the necessary court form will need to be completed. Some of the most commonly used court forms and a template witness statement together with the guidance leaflet for making an application are on the Court Forms page linked below.
Disclaimer: Nothing on this website constitutes legal advice and the inclusion of any other website or publication does not imply or mean an endorsement of the contents thereof. This website is maintained by legal professionals and whilst every effort is made to ensure it is kept up to date, users are advised to confirm that the links and documents provided are the most up to date versions.
Cheshire and Merseyside Family Court Forum 